PHILADELPHIA — The ports of the Delaware River are primarily known as the major gateway for U.S. perishable imports from the Southern Hemisphere.

In starting his own customs brokerage, Lawrence (Larry) Antonucci Jr., who had 25 years of experience in the industry, recognized the opportunities in perishables. On Jan. 1, 2012, Antonucci’s new enterprise, 721 Logistics LLC, opened a new division: J&K Fresh East.

Seatrade USA plays an important role in fresh produce along the seaport facilities of the Delaware River.

Howard Posner, general manager of Seatrade USA in Tampa, discussed these roles and noted a new refrigerated steamship design that will benefit the produce industry in years to come.

PHILADELPHIA — Customs house broker OHL International, a division of OHL, will offer customers new “Ovation” software in the third quarter of 2014, according to Chris Ryan, business development manager, perishables.

“This allows customers more visibility on what is going on with their shipments,” Ryan said. “Information is the biggest thing, and when the product arrives they can ensure it’s as fresh as possible.”

WILMINGTON, DE — For Murphy Marine Services Inc., “This is shaping up to be a decent year,” in the view of John Coulahan, the firm’s president. The stevedoring company is central to “Team Wilmington” and the teamwork involved in the handling of cargo and freight passing through the port of Wilmington, DE. Coulahan noted that for his firm, “We had a fair year in 2013 with cargo volumes holding up. And this should be a decent year — although it could always be better.”

WILMINGTON, DE — New and renewed contracts have made an exciting year for the port of Wilmington.

Tom Keefer, deputy executive director of the port, told The Produce News that Dole Fruit Co., based in Westlake Village, CA, in December 2013 renewed its contract to discharge fruit in Wilmington. The renewed contract calls for a 15-year term, but there are options that may keep Dole’s Northeastern operation in Wilmington until 2048.

PHILADELPHIA — Robert Palaima jokes that he is “president for life” when it comes to the Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. Palaima has held the volunteer position since 2008.

“On a personal level, I’m happy to give the reins to someone else if they wanted. But I’m proud to keep the show on the road. We work hard. We take pride in the CACC. It’s the most active of Greater Philadelphia’s international chambers.”